NBA Player News

Mann was most impactful as a defender, even if the stats (one steal, no blocks) don’t bear that out. He was a defensive pest, taking on the challenge of defending Devin Booker for most of Wednesday’s game. He fouled out during the fourth quarter, ending a solid night for the Clippers wing. Mann hasn’t been much of a fantasy asset during his NBA career, but the indefinite absence of Kawhi Leonard makes him a player worth tracking during the first few weeks of the season.

The Celtics are down two starters for Thursday’s game, with Jaylen Brown (shoulder) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) ruled out. Hauser and Horford will replace them in the lineup, with the latter unlikely to play in Friday’s game against the Rockets if his usual routine holds.

Landale doesn’t offer much fantasy value for the Rockets, as he’s usually third in the pecking order at the center position. Steven Adams will continue to serve as Alperen Sengun’s primary backup.

Kleber started the second half of their last game after PJ Washington (knee) exited early. Both Kleber and Washington are questionable for this game, so if both are sidelined, there would be a starting spot open, which would likely be filled by Quentin Grimes, who had 17 points in 30 minutes off the bench in their last game.

Injured during Tuesday’s win over the Lakers, Merrill exited and did not return. He appears likely to sit out Friday’s game in Dallas, with Sam Merrill likely to absorb most of the minutes that would have gone to Merrill. Strus isn’t a must-roster right now, but that will change once he’s no longer under any restrictions.

Harden will miss a game for just the second time this season, and in his first absence, Kevin Porter Jr. got the start in his place. KPJ should fill that void again, with Kris Dunn and Bones Hyland also seeing extra minutes as the primary playmakers.

Clowney’s status downgrade is unsurprising, as he fell hard during Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors. With Ben Simmons also out, Jalen Wilson should play more minutes, likely as a starter. Wilson is worth streaming in deep leagues due to the absences.

McBride was a late scratch for Wednesday’s win over the Jazz, resulting in Cameron Payne filling in for the injured Jalen Brunson. If Deuce can play but Burnson cannot, he should be given the opportunity to start.

During the first half of Wednesday’s matchup with Houston, Washington injured his knee and wasn’t able to return. He may be back for their matchup with Cleveland on Friday, but if he isn’t able to suit up, Maxi Kleber should start in his place after filling his role to start the second half against the Rockets.

Brunson missed Wednesday’s win over the Jazz. With Miles McBride (hamstring) also out, Cameron Payne started at point guard, and Tyler Kolek logged rotation minutes off the bench. If Brunson cannot play against the Thunder, expect a similar setup.

Eason has been questionable ahead of their last few games, so the downgrade to doubtful ahead of this one is discouraging. It’s unclear how much longer he’ll be sidelined, but Cam Whitmore should continue to thrive off the bench until that happens.